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Finland may stand as high as 11 (as per 2005 data) in the per capita GDP rankings. But it does not take anything away from the typical aversion the Finnish show to wastage. On a visit, you’d notice that saving electricity when not needed is the norm. In the restroom in an office, lights are not on when you go in. You are expected to switch the lights on when you enter, and off when you exit.

And most hotels worldwide have lights that come on automatically when you enter the room. Not so in the average, small but very comfortable rooms in Finnish hotels. You switch them on and off.

Another thing you notice is the simplicity in Finnish designs; be it a restaurant or furniture. No loud colours or garish designs scream at you. Most furniture offers the one functionality it ought to: comfort. Whoever said elegance went with simplicity certainly had Finland in mind. - KBK

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